Hatton inspired by full Monty as he gets set for cup passion

When it comes to the fervour of a Ryder Cup, you need the kind of fire in the belly that would’ve had Zeus reaching for the Gaviscon.

Tyrrell Hatton doesn’t lack intensity but his tantrums have been as much a part of his career as those three European Tour wins that have helped him clamber into the top of the sport.

Of course, nobody mastered the fine art of hurling the toys out of the pram quite like oor Colin Montgomerie. A three-putt on the last, for instance, could generate a quite fearsome episode of glowering petulance.

While Monty’s wrath could be directed at spectators, cameramen and even a butterfly breaking wind at 100 paces as he hovered over a tricky four-footer, Hatton’s fury tends to be directed at himself.

Whatever way the short fuse burns, it’s perhaps unsurprising the 26-year-old, who makes his Ryder Cup debut this week, sees Monty as his golfing idol.

“One of my favourite golfers when I was younger was Monty,” said Hatton as some knowing chortles erupted in the media centre. “From the age, of five I was looked after by Callaway. They would send some clubs out to me until I was about 10 or 11 and obviously Colin was their No.1 player.

“So, naturally, you kind of look up to that as a kid. Obviously, he’s a Ryder Cup legend as well. If you could end up having half the career that he had then you’d end it very happily.”

“I just need to stay level-headed. The passion is going to be there, though. If you can’t get pumped for this event then you’re in the wrong place.”